Our route would be up the 2nd snow gully from the right to the ridge and the dark section of rock. From there we'd follow the ridge up and slightly right where we'd then traverse left over the snow to the summit on the left.
We've traversed over from the hut and are nearing the base of the snow gully. It looks like a long way, but only took about 30min. (photo courtesy Wil)
At the base of the gully the slope sure doesn't look steep from this shot, but it is. See my NE Ridge photo album for a shot of another group going up from a different angle, or see the photo near the end of this album of us coming down, for a better gauge of the grade.
Here's some of the rock at the top of the gully. Looks pretty crappy, but it's actually quite solid.
Paul at the top of the snow gully.
Starting to make our way up the rocky ridge.
Paul and I start climbing the rock above the snow gully. (photo courtesy Wil)
Up ahead is the longest technical section, a 5.3 pitch.
At the top of the 5.3 pitch we met Heather and Ben who were already coming down after summiting, since they got themselves out of bed 1.5 hours before us.
More ridge above.
Me smiling and trying to be skinnier as I cling to the rock while traversing a skinny ledge. (photo courtesy Wil)
Another group who got up before us is leaving the summit, traversing the snow.
Up a little higher, we top out on the ridge and get a better look at the other group.
You can see that we don't have far to go up... the tracks in the distance lead to the rocky summit.
Pull up your pants, we're almost there.
At the summit, I hold up my arm in victory. (Photo courtesy Wil)
Wil looks across to Quadra.
Paul hangin' at the summit.
This is looking down from the summit to the NE Ridge, where we'd had our failed attempt the day before. Pretty knife-edged! We'd made it to the flat knife edge ridge just lower and right of center.
Me down-climbing with Paul below.
Wil looking cool atop that crumbling heap while Paul does some acrobatics in teh chimney.
Wil coming down the snow gully just as the sun rises and begins to soften things up. It's not the gentle walk that it looks to be.
Yup, this is more like it - it's this steep. (photo courtesy Wil)
A great shot of Paul, ready to head back to the hut, so much accomplished today and it's only just after 12:00!
